Whether you’re planning a trip to the sunny south or just a fun weekend adventure a little closer to home, spring is when many Canadians come out of hibernation and rediscover photography. It’s also a time of year when some of our customers begin to think about upgrading some of their gear, but it’s easy to feel overwhelmed by your choices.
One of the best parts about camera shopping in 2017 is the wide array of options available for all types of photographers. Camera manufacturers are producing innovative products that drive fierce competition between brands and push the limits of what a camera can do. Along with an abundance of options usually comes an abundance of extensive research, but you’re not alone! Here at Henry’s, when it comes to discovering which device works best for you, we try to make this process both easy and fun!
So where do we start? The first thing we recommend that you consider is what do you plan on capturing? Are you hoping to document friends and family close to home? Maybe you’re embarking on an adventure across the globe to soak in the beauty of the diverse landscapes? Are you a professional studio photographer looking to offer your clients more? Start thinking about the size of your ideal camera and how much gear you’re willing to lug around and that will help narrow down your options a little.
Once you’ve established the purpose of your camera and the size of your kit, there are three core factors that we’ve found can really help lead you in the right direction. These include: lifestyle, expectations and budget. Think of it this way, every one of our stores is a showcase for dozens of options because no two people are alike: every person has different expectations and budgets for fulfilling personal photography wants and needs. All of these options help us customize your camera to best suit you and give you the best results today and well into the future.
When we refer to “lifestyle” what we really mean is to reflect on the “how” and “where” you take your photos and videos. If you’re adventurous, perhaps you want something weather-sealed that doesn’t weigh a tonne. If you’ve got kids, maybe think about the advantages of a shockproof camera. If you’re into video, consider the different types of stabilization, lens selection and ability to add accessories like a high-quality microphone or a continuous LED panel.
There are no “one-size-fits-all” cameras, but a Henry’s associate can help you narrow down your options. Within any given brand, there are lots of choices: from Sony, family shooters may enjoy the compact WX500, adventurous travelers will be wowed by the great lens on the DSC-RX10III and working professionals will go gaga for the powerful A7 III.
So that brings us to the biggest part of your decision: budget. You may have a set number in your mind, but are you leaving room for things like memory cards, filters, cases, and a service plan. These are all worth considering, as they contribute to your overall experience of owning the camera and getting the best value from it. Technology is ever-changing, so a good way to approach setting a budget is to look to the future – give yourself some room to grow with your camera. We also always recommend the Henry’s Extended Life Plan to make sure you get a great camera that produces great photos and video, and will give you a great worry-free experience for many years to come.
As you can see, there are quite a few variables that come into play when we help a customer discover the best camera and combination of accessories for them. As sales associates at Henry’s, we’ve gradually found that we’ve gained a pretty thorough understanding of the entire process and we’re happy to have the opportunity to share our experience with you when you walk into one of our stores. Before you embark on your springtime adventure, we encourage you to call or come on in and talk to us. It’s what we’re here for!
Happy shooting!
Written by:
Jessica Rose (Nepean)
Nicolai Hadchity (Nepean)
Canada’s Greatest Camera Store
Henry’s has long been known in the Canadian photographic industry as the source for the best and newest products, informed Imaging Experts, award-winning customer service and competitive pricing. Henry’s, competitive pricing since 1909 and has evolved into Canada’s largest independent photographic and digital retailer.
